Plumber Hourly Pay in Tulare, CA: $31.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Tulare, CA runs $31.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,206 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Tulare's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,727 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tulare, California, the plumber hourly pay reaches a median of $31.83 per hour, slightly higher than the national hourly median of $31.45. This rate offers a solid income for plumbers working in various settings, including commercial and industrial construction sites, as well as residential service calls. For part-time plumbers working three days a week, this translates into a substantial hourly wage that can support a sustainable living, even in a high cost of living area like Tulare. Entry-level positions typically start near the lower end of the spectrum at about $21.88 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $49.33 per hour, allowing room for growth as they gain experience and specialize in areas such as medical gas or backflow prevention.
About the Tulare Market
Salary estimated from California average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.88 | $175.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.72 | $197.74 |
| Median (P50) | $31.83 | $254.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.74 | $325.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.33 | $394.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tulare
Based on $31.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.83/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tulare, CA can expect to earn approximately $66,212 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,199. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tulare.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tulare
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,273.30 | $5,518 | $66,212 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $763.98 | $3,311 | $39,727 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $509.32 | $2,207 | $26,485 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Tulare) | $31.83 |
| Electrician (National Avg) | $31.97 |
| HVAC Technician (National Avg) | $28.47 |
| Pipefitter / Steamfitter (National Avg) | $32.85 |
| Construction Laborer (National Avg) | $22.95 |
Plumbers in Tulare, CA earn a median of $66,206 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.22% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 1.00% above the California state average of $65,551.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.83/hr = $39,727/year (purchasing power: $35,125).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,212/year (purchasing power: $58,542).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Tulare (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Tulare grew 15.7% from $26.85/hr (2019) to $31.05/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.63/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem plumbers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tulare metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.52% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Plumber in Tulare
Considering the potential earnings for part-time work, a plumber working 24 hours a week could expect an annual income of around $39,400, making it a viable option for those not seeking full-time hours. Meanwhile, per diem plumber pay in Tulare can greatly enhance earnings, especially for travel pipefitters on industrial projects, who typically earn $100-$175 per day in addition to a base hourly rate of $40-$65. Self-employed contractors may charge between $100 and $180 per hour, demonstrating how the plumber hourly rate can vary by employer. Unionized plumbers, particularly those affiliated with the United Association, often enjoy higher pay and benefits despite the trade-off of potentially lower hourly wages compared to the high-demand, independent market. For those negotiating hourly rates in Tulare, it is essential to factor in benefits when considering employment offers and to be aware of prevailing rates among different types of employers, whether they be local service companies or large plumbing firms.
More salary data for Tulare, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for plumbers in Tulare. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tulare is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.52%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for plumbers (SOC 47-2152).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov